Sudanese army retakes strategic town in North Kordofan
March 5, 2026 (BARA) – The Sudanese army and its allies from the Joint Forces on Thursday regained control of the strategic city of Bara in North Kordofan state following fierce battles against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The RSF had maintained control over the strategic city since last October, during which time international organizations and human rights groups reported widespread abuses amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
An official military spokesperson announced that the armed forces and their supporters had succeeded in liberating the city. In a press statement, the spokesperson noted that the victory was achieved after heroic battles in which the “terrorist Dagalo militia” suffered heavy losses in lives and equipment, and was forced to flee, leaving behind its vehicles and gear on the battlefield.
The spokesperson emphasized that the armed forces are proceeding steadily in the “War of Dignity” in fulfilment of their oath and commitment to the Sudanese people that the militia will not enjoy a foothold on national soil. He stressed that this victory represents a new step toward a final resolution and the cleansing of all national territory from “the filth of outcasts and agents,” according to the statement.
A high-ranking Sudanese military source told Al Jazeera that the air force carried out intensive strikes in the early hours of Thursday morning, targeting RSF deployment sites inside Bara. The source indicated that the raids hit military vehicles and troop concentrations, leading to the neutralization of several members and the destruction of heavy combat equipment.
The source added that the airstrikes were followed by a surprise ground assault launched by army forces from their positions north of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, specifically from the town of Al-Dankouj, before the forces advanced toward the city and took control of its main entrances.
During the operation, the attacking forces destroyed 32 RSF combat vehicles and seized 10 others in good condition. Dozens of fighters were killed during direct clashes and drone attacks.
According to sources speaking to Al Jazeera, the recapturing of Bara was the result of a joint operation between the Sudanese army and allied forces. The sources explained that the forces moved from El Obeid toward Al-Dankouj, located north of the capital and west of Bara, before launching an intensive attack on RSF positions inside the city. This was preceded by drone strikes that fired missiles at the militia’s deployment sites.
The military operation focused on targeting the “core strength” of the RSF within the city, which paved the way for ground forces to advance and control Bara with limited losses.
For his part, the Governor of the Darfur Region and General Supervisor of the Joint Forces, Minni Arko Minawi, said in a post on X that the “heroes of the Joint Forces” were back inside Bara on this day, the 16th of Ramadan.
He described the victory and advance as something that sends “hope into hearts.” Minawi noted that the armed forces and the Joint Forces are demonstrating courage and resilience, confirming that the will of the Sudanese people to defend their land and dignity remains unbroken.
Platforms loyal to the army and the Joint Forces broadcast video clips showing their members deployed inside Bara, while soldiers displayed several RSF prisoners and casualties.
Meanwhile, local sources said that after their defeat, RSF forces attacked the village of Umm Kuraidim, east of Bara, and proceeded to destroy and burn the village after looting it. According to the sources, the attack came due to RSF allegations that village residents had cooperated with the armed forces and provided intelligence.
Eyewitnesses reported that RSF soldiers took turns setting fire to houses built from flammable materials, beat residents, and opened fire on some, causing varying injuries.
The RSF had controlled the strategically located city of Bara since the early months of the conflict that began on April 15, 2023, using it as a launching point to attack El Obeid.
Army control of the city is expected to secure El Obeid from the east and potentially link it to Omdurman if the RSF is pushed out of Gebra al-Sheikh and other areas along the Omdurman-Bara export road, where RSF elements remain deployed.